What Is Reishi Mushroom Extract (Polysaccharides/Triterpenes)? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications

Reishi Mushroom Extract, also known as Ganoderma Lucidum Extract or Lingzhi Extract, is a natural fungal extract processed from the dried fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst. or Ganoderma sinense Zhao, Xu et Zhang through extraction, filtration, concentration, and drying processes. It is a functional ingredient with multiple biological activities. Ganoderma has been used as a medicinal fungus in China for over 2,000 years and is a treasure in the treasury of traditional Chinese medicine, known as the “fairy herb” and “auspicious herb.” The Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer‘s Materia Medica) listed Ganoderma as a superior-grade herb, a renowned tonic for strengthening the body and reinforcing the vital energy. It has the effects of tonifying qi and calming the mind, relieving cough and asthma, and nourishing and strengthening the body. It is used for restlessness, insomnia, palpitations, lung deficiency cough and asthma, consumptive disease, and loss of appetite. Ganoderma is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, entering the heart, lung, liver, and kidney meridians. Reishi extract is produced using modern bioextraction technology, combining the traditional medicinal value of Ganoderma with modern pharmacological research results, targeting core health needs such as human immune regulation, antioxidant, and metabolic improvement. It is a natural plant extract product with high biological activity and functional specificity. The product strictly controls the content and ratio of major active ingredients such as Ganoderma polysaccharides and triterpenoids to ensure optimal health promotion. Reishi extract products are available in various forms, including ratio extracts (4:1, 10:1, 20:1, 50:1, etc.), polysaccharide content specifications (10%-50%), triterpene content specifications (1%-10%), as well as powders, capsules, tablets, and oral liquids.

To date, scientific research has confirmed that over 400 bioactive metabolites have been obtained from different parts of Ganoderma including fruiting bodies, mycelium, and spores, including Ganoderma polysaccharides, polysaccharide peptides, triterpenoids, nucleosides, sterols, alkaloids, furan derivatives, peptides, amino acids, volatile oils, and trace elements. Among them, polysaccharides and triterpenoids are the main components. Additionally, it contains other active components with unique biological functions, such as sterols, nucleosides, and polyphenols. These active compounds are the main source of Ganoderma-related therapeutic and pharmacological functions, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, blood lipid regulation, heart protection, sleep promotion, anti-ulcer, antiviral, anti-aging, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory activities. The main active components of Reishi extract are shown in the table below: Component Category

Ganoderma Polysaccharides: Ganoderma polysaccharides are among the most important and intensively studied active components in Reishi extract, with broad immunomodulatory effects. Ganoderma is considered an immunomodulator and has been shown in many studies to promote and regulate the immune system. The immunomodulatory mechanisms of Ganoderma include improving the proliferation and activity of antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells), enhancing the phagocytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells and mononuclear macrophages, and promoting humoral and cellular immunity (B and T lymphocytes) as well as the production of immunoglobulins and cytokines. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) stipulates that the polysaccharide content in Ganoderma crude drug shall not be less than 0.90%.